OBD2 Splitter Near Me: A Simple Guide to Expanding Your Car’s Diagnostic Port

Do you need to connect multiple devices to your car’s OBD2 port? Many modern car enthusiasts and professionals use a variety of tools that require access to this port – from diagnostic scanners and performance monitors to GPS trackers and telematics devices. However, most vehicles only come with a single OBD2 port. This is where an OBD2 splitter comes in handy. If you’re wondering “where can I find an Obd2 Splitter Near Me?” and how to install one, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through a straightforward DIY installation process, allowing you to utilize multiple OBD2 devices simultaneously.

Before diving into the installation, let’s understand what an OBD2 splitter is and why you might need one. An OBD2 splitter, also known as an OBD2 port replicator or Y cable, is a simple device that plugs into your car’s existing OBD2 port and expands it into two or more ports. This allows you to connect multiple OBD2-compatible devices without having to constantly swap cables. Whether you are a professional mechanic needing to use a scan tool while simultaneously recording data with a separate device, or a car owner wanting to monitor performance metrics while using a GPS tracker, an OBD2 splitter provides a convenient solution.

While searching for an “OBD2 splitter near me,” you might primarily be looking for local auto parts stores. However, the most efficient way to find a wide selection and often better prices is online. Websites like eBay and Amazon offer numerous options, often shipping quickly and sometimes even from local sellers.

This guide will show you how to install an OBD2 splitter using readily available parts and common tools. Let’s get started!

Tools and Parts You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and parts. This simple installation requires only a few items:

• OBD2 Splitter: You can find these online by searching for “OBD2 splitter near me” on e-commerce sites. A reliable option is readily available on platforms like eBay.
• OBD2 Splitter Bracket (Optional but Recommended): A bracket helps secure the splitter and keeps the connections tidy. These are also easily found online.
• Phillips Head Screwdriver: For removing screws in your car’s dashboard.
• Torx Screwdriver Set: Many car manufacturers use Torx screws, especially in interior panels. A small Torx set is essential.
• Trim Removal Tool: Plastic trim tools help prevent damage when removing interior panels.
• Mini Flat Head Screwdriver: Useful for disconnecting small electrical connectors.

Once you have these tools and parts, you’re ready to begin the installation.

Step-by-Step OBD2 Splitter Installation Guide

This guide assumes a typical vehicle interior setup where the OBD2 port is located under the dashboard on the driver’s side. Always consult your vehicle’s repair manual for specific locations and instructions if needed.

Step 1: Accessing the OBD2 Port Area

1. Remove the Hood Release Handle: Use the Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw securing the hood release handle, typically located near the lower left dashboard area. Once removed, another screw will be visible behind it.

2. Remove the Second Screw: Use a Torx screwdriver from your set to remove the screw revealed after removing the hood release handle.

3. Detach Weather Stripping and Door Trim: Gently pull back the door weather stripping near the dashboard. Then, carefully remove the black plastic door trim panel. This trim usually snaps into place and can be removed by gently pulling outwards.

4. Remove the Kick Panel: Locate the kick panel, which is the plastic panel surrounding the OBD2 port. Carefully pull this panel towards the transmission tunnel. It is held in place by snap clips. There are typically two clips: one in the lower middle of the panel and another that becomes visible after removing the weather stripping.

5. Disconnect Trunk Release Connector: Use the trim removal tool to detach the snap connector closest to the trunk release button. It’s often easier to remove the connector from the panel and place it back onto the panel later.

6. Release Trunk Release Button: Push the trunk release button from behind the kick panel to free it. Rotate the button to see how the wire harness is clipped in. Use the mini flat head screwdriver to gently release the wire harness clip from the trunk release button. Set the trunk release button and the kick panel aside.

Step 2: Exposing the OEM OBD2 Port

7. Loosen Lower Dash Panel Screws: Use the Torx screwdriver to unscrew the lower dash panel screws. You generally only need to remove the screw closest to the door and the one immediately to its right (typically two out of three screws). You don’t need to completely remove the panel, just loosen it enough to access the OBD2 port.

8. Remove OEM OBD2 Port Screws: Locate the OEM OBD2 port, which is now accessible. There are usually two Phillips screws attaching it to the car’s frame. Remove both of these screws using the Phillips screwdriver.

Step 3: Connecting the OBD2 Splitter

9. Connect OEM Harness to Splitter: Take the OEM harness (the original connector plugged into your car’s OBD2 port) and plug it into the single input connector on the OBD2 splitter.

10. Attach Splitter to Bracket: Take one of the output connectors on the splitter and plug it into the aftermarket bracket you purchased. This bracket will be used to mount the splitter in place of the original OBD2 port.

Alt text: Close-up view of connecting the OBD2 splitter’s output connector to the aftermarket mounting bracket, showing the secure fit and ensuring stable connection for the expanded OBD2 ports.

11. Connect Auxiliary Devices (Optional): If you have auxiliary OBD2 devices, plug them into the remaining output connectors on the splitter. If not, these ports will be available for future use.

Step 4: Securing and Reassembling

12. Position and Secure Splitter Connectors: Gently pull down slightly on the lower dash panel and carefully tuck the splitter connectors and any connected auxiliary device cables up behind the dash panel.

13. Reinstall Lower Dash Panel: Screw the lower dash panel back into place using the Torx screws you removed earlier.

14. Install Splitter Bracket: Screw the new bracket, now connected to the OBD2 splitter, into the original OBD2 port location using the Phillips screws.

15. Position OEM Harness and Replicator: The positioning of the OEM harness and the splitter connection is crucial for the kick panel to fit correctly. Ensure the trunk release harness is positioned as shown in the next image to facilitate reconnection.

Alt text: Diagram illustrating the optimal positioning of the OBD2 splitter and OEM harness behind the dashboard, emphasizing the correct placement of the trunk release harness to ensure easy reconnection and proper kick panel fitment during reassembly.

Step 5: Final Reassembly

16. Reinstall Kick Panel: Put the kick panel back into place. Remember the top snap connector you removed in Step 5? It is often easier to place this snap connector back into the kick panel first, then align and snap the panel back into position. Ensure the trunk release wiring is accessible.

17. Reconnect Trunk Release Button: Plug the trunk release button connector back in.

Alt text: Photograph showing the trunk release button reconnected to the kick panel, highlighting the completed wiring and the readiness for final panel installation, ensuring all functionalities are restored after the OBD2 splitter installation.

18. Reinstall Door Trim and Weather Stripping: Put the black plastic door trim back into place, followed by pressing the door weather stripping back into its original position.

19. Reinstall OBD2 Access Cover: Finally, reinstall the OBD2 access cover, if your vehicle has one. In many cases, the kick panel itself serves as the access cover.

Alt text: Image of the completed OBD2 splitter installation with the access cover closed, demonstrating a clean and finished look, indicating that the expanded OBD2 port setup is now seamlessly integrated and protected within the vehicle’s interior.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully installed an OBD2 splitter. You now have multiple OBD2 ports available for your diagnostic tools, performance monitors, or other OBD2 devices. Searching for an “OBD2 splitter near me” might have led you to various online retailers, and following this guide will empower you to complete the installation yourself, saving time and potentially money. Enjoy the expanded capabilities of your car’s diagnostic port!